Waterford Lakes Small Area Study Report

Transcription

1 Waterford Lakes Small Area Study Report Orange County District 4 Prepared for: Orange County Public Works Department Traffic Engineering Division 4200 S. John Young Parkway Orlando, FL Prepared by: May 2013

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3 Table of Contents Section Page EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION Study Area Intersections Study Area ways PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT Home Owner Association Representatives Public Meetings Community Meetings Stakeholder Meetings Meetings with Schools Web Site PEDESTRIAN, BICYCLE AND TRANSIT Summary of Pedestrian and Bicycle Counts Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Review Crash History Alafaya Trail at Lake Underhill Alafaya Trail at SR Alafaya Trail at Waterford Lakes Parkway Avalon Park Boulevard at Castle Creek Elementary Avalon Park Boulevard at SR Avalon Park Boulevard at Waterford Chase Parkway Golfway Boulevard at Lone Palm Lake Underhill at Spring Island Way Lake Underhill at Waterford Chase Parkway Lake Underhill at Mark Twain Boulevard Lake Underhill at Woodbury Woodbury at Island Bay Drive Woodbury at SR Woodbury at Golfway Boulevard Woodbury at Waterford Lakes Parkway Woodbury at Waterford Woods Circle School Safety Review Waterford Elementary School Camelot Elementary School Castle Creek Elementary School Sunrise Elementary School Discovery Middle School Orange County Public Schools Coordination Transit Evaluation Recommended Pedestrian, Bicycle and Transit Improvements... 42

4 Table of Contents, continued Section Page 4.0 ACCESS MANAGEMENT Existing way Access Management Classifications FDOT Access Management Classification Descriptions Access Management on Study Area ways Public Comments Related to Access Management Access Management Related Crash History Avalon Park Boulevard at Old Cheney Highway Alafaya Trail at Mark Twain Boulevard Waterford Lakes Parkway at Lake Cypress Circle Planned Improvements by Others Recommended Access Management Improvements TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE Traffic Control Devices and Infrastructure Field Reviews Citizen Concerns Related to Traffic Control Devices and Infrastructure Speed Studies Planned Traffic Control Devices and Infrastructure Improvements Recommended Non Capital Improvements RECOMMENDED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS Overview of Traffic Study Recommended Capital Improvements Differences in Recommendations from Traffic Study Alafaya Trail at Lake Underhill Lake Underhill at Woodbury Lake Underhill at Waterford Chase Parkway Woodbury from Lake Underhill to Waterford Chase Parkway Benefit Cost Analyses Crash Reduction Benefit Cost Analysis Method Delay Reduction Benefit Cost Analysis Method Recommended Mid-Range Capital Improvements... 86

5 List of Figures Figure No. Title Page 1-1 Project Location Map Alafaya Trail at Lake Underhill Rd Crash Diagram Alafaya Trail at SR 50 Crash Diagram Alafaya Trail at Waterford Lakes Pkwy Crash Diagram Avalon Park Blvd at Castle Creek Elem Crash Diagram Avalon Park Blvd at SR 50 Crash Diagram Avalon Park Blvd at Waterford Chase Pkwy Crash Diagram Golfway Boulevard at Lone Palm Crash Diagram Lake Underhill Rd at Spring Island Way Diagram Lake Underhill Rd at Waterford Chase Pkwy Crash Diagram Lake Underhill Rd at Mark Twain Blvd Crash Diagram Lake Underhill Rd at Woodbury Rd Crash Diagram Woodbury at Island Bay Drive Crash Diagram Woodbury at SR 50 Crash Diagram Woodbury at Golfway Boulevard Crash Diagram Woodbury at Waterford Lakes Pkwy Crash Diagram Woodbury at Waterford Woods Circle Crash Diagram Existing and Future LYNX Transit Service Avalon Park Blvd at Old Cheney Highway Crash Diagram Alafaya Trail at Mark Twain Boulevard Waterford Lakes Pkwy at Lake Cypress Cir Crash Diagram.. 57 List of Tables Table No. Title Page 3-1 Pedestrian Intersection Crosswalk AM LOS Bicycle Intersection AM LOS Pedestrian Intersection Crosswalk PM LOS Bicycle Intersection PM LOS Field Review of Existing Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Public Comments Related to Ped and Bicycle Facilities Summary of Public Comments Related to School Safety Transit Related Public Comments Ped, Bike and Transit Improvements Recommendations Existing way Access Classification Information FDOT Access Management Criteria by Access Class Public Comments Related to Access Management Recommended Access Management Improvements... 54

6 List of Tables, continued Table No. Title Page 5-1 Field Review of Traffic Control Devices Alafaya Trail Field Review of Traffic Control Devices Avalon Park Blvd Field Review of Traffic Control Devices Lk Underhill Rd Field Review of Traffic Control Devices Mark Twain Blvd Field Review of Traffic Control Devices Waterford Chase Field Review of Traffic Control Devices Waterford Lakes Field Review of Traffic Control Devices Woodbury Rd Public Comments Related to Traffic Control Devices and Infrastructure Speed Study Results Orange County Planned Projects Non-Capital Improvement Recommendations by Location Capital Improvement Recommendations by Location Benefit Cost Analyses for Capital Improvements Mid-Range Capital Improvement Recommendations by Location List of Appendices Appendix A Public Involvement Appendix B Concept Plans Appendix C Detailed Crash Information Appendix D Speed Study Information Appendix E Final Waterford Lakes Traffic Report Appendix F Benefit Cost Analyses for Recommended Capital Improvements

7 Executive Summary Orange County has conducted a study to identify congestion and safety related issues within the Waterford Lakes area. This area is highly congested and most of the study roadways are constrained from being widened by the residential development that they serve. Therefore, this study focused on improvements that can improve traffic flow more efficiently and that will improve safety for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists with little or no right-of-way impacts. This study documents the data collection efforts, traffic study, crash analysis, access management review and identification of both low cost and capital improvements. Public outreach efforts included a series of meetings with several Home Owner Association representatives, a series of community meetings with residents within the study are and several small group meetings with other stakeholders. As a result of this study, numerous improvements were recommended. These include low cost items such as the addition of speed limit signs, repairing or replacing damaged signs, constructing sidewalks where there were gaps, speed enforcement, adding traffic signal head back plates and recommendations to refresh pavement markings. Several other higher cost improvements were also recommended including converting a full median opening on Waterford Lakes Parkway to a directional opening, adding turn lanes at the Woodbury /Lake Underhill intersection and modifying the median opening at the Woodbury /Golfway Boulevard intersection. 1

8 Section 1 - Introduction The Waterford Lakes area has experienced increased congestion due to growth in residential and commercial development over the last several years. This report documents the study that has been conducted by Orange County for the Waterford Lakes area to identify issues related to the safety of vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists and the resulting improvements to address those issues. This report is divided into sections that document each of the main areas of the study. These include pedestrian, bicycle and transit, access management and traffic control devices and infrastructure. A separate study entitled Final Report, Waterford Lakes Small Area Study, Existing and Future Traffic Conditions, February 8, 2013 was prepared by GMB Engineers and Planners, to document the existing (2012) conditions at the study roadways and intersections and the expected conditions in five years (2017). The Waterford Lakes study area is identified in Figure Study Area Intersections 1. Waterford Lakes Parkway at Alafaya Trail 2. Waterford Lakes Parkway at Woodbury (includes school crossing) 3. Woodbury at E. Colonial Drive 4. Woodbury at Lake Underhill (includes school crossing) 5. Woodbury at Golfway Boulevard (includes school crossing) 6. Lake Underhill at Alafaya Trail (includes school crossing) 7. Lake Underhill at Mark Twain Boulevard (includes school crossing) 8. Lake Underhill at Waterford Chase Parkway 9. Waterford Chase Parkway at Avalon Park Boulevard (includes school crossing) 10. Avalon Park Boulevard at E. Colonial Drive (includes school crossing) 11. Avalon Park Boulevard at Castle Creek Elementary (includes school crossing) 12. Alafaya Trail at E. Colonial Drive 1.2 Study Area ways 1. Waterford Lakes Parkway from Alafaya Trail to Woodbury 2. Woodbury from E. Colonial Drive to Golfway Boulevard 3. Alafaya Trail from E. Colonial Drive to Mark Twain Boulevard 4. Lake Underhill from Alafaya Trail to Waterford Chase Parkway 5. Waterford Chase Parkway from Lake Underhill to Avalon Park Boulevard 6. Avalon Park Boulevard from E. Colonial Drive to Waterford Chase Parkway 7. Mark Twain Boulevard from Alafaya Trail to Lake Underhill 2

9 Figure 1-1 Waterford Lakes Small Area Study Location Map 3

10 Section 2 Public Involvement An important part of the Waterford Lakes Small Area Study was public involvement. The study included a concerted effort to interact with the public as part of the data collection effort and identification of issues within the project area. Several large public meetings were held during the study. These included a series of meetings with Home Owner Association (HOA) representatives and with residents living within the study area. Individual meetings were held with FDOT, LYNX, Orange County Public Schools and two elementary schools. Newsletters were developed to notify the HOA representatives about the study and press releases were sent out prior to public meetings. Information from the public involvement program is included in Appendix A. 2.1 Home Owner Association Representatives Public Meetings The first HOA representatives meeting was held on August 13, 2012 at Discovery Middle School. The purpose of this meeting was to receive input from the community representatives on specific traffic, pedestrian, bicycle and other safety issues within the Waterford Lakes area. Orange County gave a brief presentation outlining the study area, scope of the study, schedule for the study and then instructions on how to provide input on the project at the meeting. Aerial maps of the four quadrants of the study area were laid out on tables and attendees were asked to put numbered stickers on the maps and then write down what the issue was on a separate comment form with the same sticker number noted. Nineteen citizens attended this meeting and 39 comment forms were received. On January 23, 2013, a second HOA representatives meeting was held at Waterford Elementary School to present the draft recommendations from the study. Orange County gave a presentation that included an overview of the data collection efforts, a summary of public input, a list of projects that Orange County has planned and are not related to this study and then a discussion of the preliminary recommendations related to the study. Following the presentation, attendees were given the opportunity to ask questions. The presentations and handouts provided at these meetings are included in Appendix A. 2.2 Community Meetings The initial community meetings were held on September 24 th and 26 th, 2012 at the Waterford Elementary School. Because of the size of the study area, two meetings were held. The notifications sent to residents in the study area asked that those living north of Lake Underhill attend the September 24 th meeting and those living south of Lake Underhill attend the September 26 th meeting. A presentation very similar to the presentation given at the first HOA representatives meeting was given at each of the 4

11 community meetings. The same aerial maps with numbered stickers were also provided to attendees. The second set of community meetings were held on February 20 th and 27 th at Waterford Elementary School to present the same information to the residents living in the study area that was presented to the HOA representatives at the January 23, 2013 meeting. As a result of the input received during the study related to pedestrian safety, a representative of the group Best Foot Forward was invited to give a brief presentation on their efforts to increase safety for pedestrians in the Orlando Area. This presentation provided an overview of traffic laws related to pedestrians and provided information on how to be both a safer driver and safer pedestrian. In addition, a representative from Re-Think Your Commute was available at these meetings to discuss ways for residents to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Information was available related to ride sharing, van pooling, car sharing, biking to work, telecommuting and park and ride lots. As a result of the public outreach, Channel 9 news featured the study on the County-by- County section on February 27, The presentations given at these meetings are included in Appendix A. 2.3 Stakeholder Meetings Meetings were held with representatives from Orange County Public Schools, Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX) and the Florida Department of Transportation. These meetings involved providing an overview of the study and its purpose, identifying the study area and asking for input on issues that should be addressed during the study. A meeting was also held with Orange County s Pedestrian and Safety Committee to discuss specific citizen comments that were received. These issues included the Lake Underhill /Woodbury intersection, parents parking on Lexingdale Drive and Sherborne Court and crossing guard parking in the median at the intersection of Golfway Boulevard and Woodbury. The meeting minutes for each meeting are included in Appendix A. 2.4 Meetings with Schools Each of the five schools within the study area were contacted in an effort to hold coordination meetings with each Principal. Meetings were held with the Principals of Waterford Elementary School and Camelot Elementary School. The others declined meetings. The two school meetings included an overview of the purpose of the study and a request by the study team for input on issues that should be considered as part of the study. Additional details of these meetings are provided in Section

12 Meeting minutes for these meetings are provided in Appendix A. The Principal of Castle Creek Elementary School requested that a presentation be made to the Student Advisory Committee (SAC). This presentation included an overview of the study, a summary of the comments received and discussion of specific issues that were raised by Principal Daub. One of these was a request for a sidewalk along SR 50 for students walking from Deer Park. This sidewalk will be built as part of the widening of SR 50 being done by FDOT. A second issue of discussion was a request for a reduced school zone on Avalon Park Boulevard in front of the school. Kevin Miller indicated that it is Orange County policy not to install reduced speed zones where students cross at a signalized intersection with a crossing guard. A copy of the presentation given to the SAC is provided in Appendix A. 2.5 Web Site A project specific web page was developed and posted on the Orange County government web site. This web page includes a project schedule, a description of the study area, the purpose of the study and provides an opportunity for the public to provide comments on the study. Information on project meetings and project documents are also available on the web page. 6

13 Section 3 - Pedestrian, Bicycle and Transit The identification of pedestrian, bicycle and transit deficiencies in the study area began with pedestrian and bicycle counts at the twelve key intersections listed below. The detailed traffic count information can be found in a separate report called Final Report Waterford Lakes Small Area Study Existing & Future Traffic Conditions, February 8, Waterford Lakes Parkway at Alafaya Trail 2. Waterford Lakes Parkway at Woodbury (includes school crossing) 3. Woodbury at E. Colonial Drive 4. Woodbury at Lake Underhill (includes school crossing) 5. Woodbury at Golfway Boulevard (includes school crossing) 6. Lake Underhill at Alafaya Trail (includes school crossing) 7. Lake Underhill at Mark Twain Boulevard (includes school crossing) 8. Lake Underhill at Waterford Chase Parkway 9. Waterford Chase Parkway at Avalon Park Boulevard (includes school crossing) 10. Avalon Park Boulevard at E. Colonial Drive (includes school crossing) 11. Avalon Park Boulevard at Castle Creek Elementary (includes school crossing) 12. Alafaya Trail at E. Colonial Drive 3.1 Summary of Pedestrian and Bicycle Level of Service Traffic counts, including counts of pedestrians and bicycles, were conducted by GMB Engineers and Planners at each of the study intersections for two hours in the AM peak and two hours in the PM peak. In addition, at intersections with school crossings, counts were conducted for two hours during school crossing hours. The levels of service for pedestrians and bicyclists at the study intersections were determined using Synchro Version 8 software. Tables 3-1 through 3-4 identify the AM and PM Levels of Service (LOS) for pedestrians and bicycles at the study area intersections. The intersection of Woodbury and Golfway Boulevard is not included in these tables as the software used does not provide a pedestrian and bike LOS for an unsignalized intersection. Bicycle LOS is defined in terms of bicycle rider s perception of comfort and safety relative to automotive traffic in the roadway corridor. Bicycle mode LOS is determined based on Bicycle LOS Score, which is a function of facility width, automobile traffic volume, traffic speed, heavy vehicle percentage (trucks), presence of bike lanes and pavement conditions. Bicycle LOS A describes wide, smooth, bicycle facilities on the roadway adjacent to travel lanes with low automobile speeds and traffic volumes. LOS F indicates undesirable bicycle facility conditions consisting of narrow, shared facilities with poor pavement condition, high traffic speeds and volumes. As shown in Tables 3-2 and 3-4, one or more movements of the following three intersections are operating at bicycle LOS E or F. Lake Underhill and Waterford Chase Parkway (AM and PM peak) Alafaya Trail and Lake Underhill (AM and PM peak) 7

14 Lake Underhill and Woodbury (PM peak) The existing bicycle LOS for the above listed intersections is currently operating at or below LOS E, because of lack of designated bicycle lane combined with heavy traffic on this movement. Pedestrian LOS is defined in terms of the bicycle rider s perception of comfort and safety relative to automotive traffic in the roadway corridor. Pedestrian mode LOS is determined based on Pedestrian LOS Score, which is a function of the presence of sidewalk, lateral separation of from automobile traffic, traffic volume and speed. Pedestrian LOS A describes pedestrian facilities that are wide with adequate separation from the roadway in area with slow traffic speeds and low traffic volumes. LOS F describes pedestrian facilities of poor quality, sidewalks that have gaps or are not present and insufficient separation from high speed and high volume traffic. As shown in Tables 3-1 and 3-3, all of the study intersections are found to operate at an acceptable pedestrian LOS D or better during the AM and PM peak periods. Table 3-1 Pedestrian Intersection Crosswalk AM LOS Pedestrian Level of Service Intersection EB WB NB SB Alafaya Waterford Lakes Pkwy. B B C C Alafaya Lake Underhill Rd. C C C C Alafaya SR 50 C C C C Mark Lake Underhill Rd. C C B A Woodbury Lake Underhill Rd. C B B B Lake Underhill Waterford Chase Pkwy. N/A B B A Woodbury Waterford Lakes Pkwy. B N/A B B Avalon Park SR 50 C C C B Woodbury SR 50 C C C B Waterford Chase Avalon Park Blvd. B C B B Avalon Park Castle Creek Elem. N/A B C C Table 3-2 Bicycle Intersection AM LOS Bicycle Level of Service Intersection EB WB NB SB Alafaya Waterford Lakes Pkwy. C C C C Alafaya Lake Underhill Rd. B E D D Alafaya SR 50 B C D B Mark Lake Underhill Rd. B C C B Woodbury Lake Underhill Rd. C C D C Lake Underhill Waterford Chase Pkwy. N/A E B B Woodbury Waterford Lakes Pkwy. B N/A C B Avalon Park SR 50 B A D C Woodbury SR 50 A B C B Waterford Chase Avalon Park Blvd. A B C C Avalon Park Castle Creek Elem. N/A C B B 8

15 Table 3-3 Pedestrian Intersection Crosswalk PM LOS Pedestrian Level of Service Intersection EB WB NB SB Alafaya Waterford Lakes Pkwy. B B C C Alafaya Lake Underhill Rd. C C C D Alafaya SR 50 C C D D Mark Lake Underhill Rd. C C B A Woodbury Lake Underhill Rd. C C B B Lake Underhill Waterford Chase Pkwy. N/A B B B Woodbury Waterford Lakes Pkwy. B N/A B B Avalon Park SR 50 C C C B Woodbury SR 50 C C C B Waterford Chase Avalon Park Blvd. C C B B Avalon Park Castle Creek Elem. N/A B C C Table 3-4 Bicycle Intersection PM LOS Bicycle Level of Service Intersection EB WB NB SB Alafaya Waterford Lakes Pkwy. D D C D Alafaya Lake Underhill Rd. B D D F Alafaya SR 50 C B D C Mark Lake Underhill Rd. D B C B Woodbury Lake Underhill Rd. D C D E Lake Underhill Waterford Chase Pkwy. N/A C E B Woodbury Waterford Lakes Pkwy. C N/A C C Avalon Park SR 50 C A C C Woodbury SR 50 B B C C Waterford Chase Avalon Park Blvd. A A D B Avalon Park Castle Creek Elem. N/A B A B 3.2 Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Review An assessment of pedestrian and bicycle safety within the study area was made as part of the project field reviews. Pedestrian and bicycle safety related to the existing pedestrian and bicycle facilities and roadway infrastructure are summarized by location in Table 3-5. The concept plans in Appendix B identify the locations of the existing school crossings, reduced speed school zones, crosswalks, sidewalks, multi-use paths and bike lanes. A summary of the comments received from the public are summarized in Table 3-6. Several of these comments are related to drivers not yielding to pedestrians. Because of the level of concern raised, Orange County invited the group Best Foot Forward to give educational presentations at the second series of community meetings on pedestrian traffic laws and safety and also requested additional enforcement at the study area intersections. 9

16 Table 3-5 Field Review of Existing Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Issue No. way Issue Location 1 Alafaya Trail Old/faded pedestrian push button instruction SR 50 intersection, Waterford Lakes Parkway signs intersection 2 Alafaya Trail Missing pedestrian push button instruction sign NE quadrant of intersection with Lake Underhill 3 Alafaya Trail Broken/missing pedestrian push button SW quadrant of Curry Ford intersection, SW quadrant of SR 50 intersection 4 Alafaya Trail Missing aluminum handrail West side of Alafaya Trail, 100 feet south of SR 50 5 Alafaya Trail Avalon Park Boulevard Lake Underhill Lake Underhill 9 Woodbury 10 Waterford Lakes Parkway Water standing on sidewalk where sidewalk is the low point between the road and adjacent development Missing sidewalk connection from neighborhood to sidewalk along Avalon Park Boulevard Pedestrian crossing signal not functioning School Zone flashing beacon not functioning Pedestrian rail missing on the back of the guardrail Sticker on pedestrian push button instruction sign West side of Alafaya Trail, 50 feet south of Huckleberry Finn intersection East side of Avalon Park Boulevard at Perdido Drive and Pellicer Drive NW quadrant of Mark Twain Boulevard intersection South side of Lake Underhill, 1800 feet east of Woodbury West side of Woodbury, south of SR 408 SW quadrant of the Woodbury intersection 10

17 Comment No Table 3-6 Public Comments Related to Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities way Citizen Comment Location Response/Action Cave Hollow Lane Avalon Park Boulevard Waterford Chase Parkway Lake Underhill Lake Underhill 6 Woodbury 7 Mark Twain Boulevard 8 River Delta Sidewalk ends abruptly at a tree Sidewalks have no connection to Avalon Park Blvd Vehicles don't stop for pedestrians in crosswalks Merging vehicles have trouble watching for pedestrians and bicyclists Driver's fail to yield r/w to peds during off-school hours Driver's don t look for peds waiting to cross Woodbury Pedestrian safety due to traffic congestion People cut through from Curry Ford Rd speeding; unsafe for peds/bikes River Delta Drive Perdido Drive and Pellicer Drive Hardwood Circle Bluewater Circle Woodbury At Greenbriar entrance Lake Underhill Mark Twain The missing section of sidewalk will be investigated for construction by Orange County. These connections were constructed by Orange County in April 2013 Yield Here to Pedestrians signs were installed on both approaches to the Recreation Center in April Comment will be forwarded to the Orange County Sheriff s Office for enforcement. A raised median may be considered to be extended eastward through the merge area to provide a physical merge for vehicles. Comment will be forwarded to the Orange County Sheriff s Office for enforcement. Pedestrians should use hand movements and try to make eye contact with drivers to cross or try crossing at a marked crosswalk. Recommended improvements at the Lake Underhill /Woodbury intersection should help traffic congestion. These are public roads and vehicles cannot be prohibited from using them. This comment will be provided to the Orange County Sheriff s office for enforcement. 11

18 Comment No. Table 3-6, continued Public Comments Related to Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities way Citizen Comment Location Response/Action 9 Woodbury Lake Underhill Lake Underhill 12 All study roads Mark Twain Boulevard Waterford Chase Pkwy Heavy traffic back-up, delay, and safety of children Dangerous for peds at crosswalks; drivers speed and stop on crosswalks School traffic backs to Mark Twain, congestion, danger to students Speeding; dangerous to be a walker or bicyclist Vehicles rarely yield to peds in crosswalk; requests in-street pedestrian crossing signs (MUTCD, R1-6 and/or R1-6a) People turn when peds present; What about all-red ped phase? Between Colonial and Lake Underhill Woodbury and at Mark Twain Alafaya to Woodbury Project area At Recreation Center Avalon Park Blvd Orange County is scheduled to conduct a transportation study of Woodbury from SR 50 to Lake Underhill in Comment will be forwarded to the Orange County Sheriff s Office for enforcement. Intersection improvements are proposed at the Lake Underhill intersection with Woodbury to help ease congestion. Orange County is scheduled to conduct a transportation study of Woodbury from SR 50 to Lake Underhill beginning in Comment will be forwarded to the Orange County Sheriff s Office for enforcement. Additional signage has been installed in this area as requested. A recommendation is being made to add a Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) at this intersection to give 3-5 seconds of all red for pedestrians to begin crossing. 12

19 Comment No. Table 3-6, continued Public Comments Related to Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities way Citizen Comment Location Response/Action 15 Woodbury Mark Twain Boulevard Mark Twain Boulevard Waterford Chase Parkway Lake Underhill 20 Woodbury Narrow right-of-way makes it scary to walk on sidewalk, esp. from 5:30-6:00 AM; strip of grass between sidewalk and street is too small. Requests the narrow signs to be installed that say "Stop for pedestrians in crosswalk" Bike lane on Mark Twain, but ends at Lake Underhill (wants bike lane) Crossing intersection is hazardous cars don't yield to cyclist Multi-use paths dangerous in high ped neighborhoods; requests bike lanes Bike lane on Golfway and part of Woodbury; requests bike lane for rest of Woodbury; feels people don t know that bike lane begins on Woodbury Near Waterford Lakes Parkway At Park crosswalk Lake Underhill Avalon Park Blvd Woodbury to Alafaya Near Lake Underhill The transportation study of Woodbury will evaluate improvements that may increase the referenced utility strip between the roadway and sidewalk. Additional signage and pavement markings have been installed in this area as requested. A full bike lane on Lake Underhill cannot be provided without major roadway reconstruction. However, during the next repaving schedule, a wider outside lane will be provided. Considering leading pedestrian interval signal timing change. A full bike lane on Lake Underhill cannot be provided without major widening and reconstruction. However, during the next repaving schedule, a wider outside lane will be provided. Appropriate signing of the begin and end of the existing bike lane is provided. However, this comment will be provided to the project manager for the upcoming Woodbury RCA Study for consideration 13

20 Comment No Table 3-6, continued Public Comments Related to Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities way Citizen Comment Location Response/Action Avalon Park Boulevard Waterford Chase Parkway Bike lane paint is worn; consider multi-use trails where fewer access points Install traffic signals to allow vehicles to enter Waterford Chase Parkway from the neighborhoods and to allow for pedestrians to safely cross Waterford Chase Parkway Between Waterford Chase and Pellicer Drive Lake Underhill to Avalon Park Boulevard The bike lane striping has been refreshed until resurfacing occurs. Avalon Park Boulevard will be resurfaced and new pavement markings will be provided which will have narrower travel lanes and a wider bike lane. Traffic counts will be taken to see if they support installation of traffic signals. Pedestrian warning signs will be added in both directions on Waterford Chase Parkway at Maple Creek Drive. A pedestrian warning zone 0.4 miles in length will also be created before and after the recreation center. 14

21 3.3 Crash History Crash records were obtained for three years, 2009 through 2011, for the twelve key study intersections. Crash records were also obtained for four additional intersections in response to citizen comments/requests for improvements and/or as follow-up to field reviews. This information was reviewed in order to identify any specific crash patterns within the study area. The crash information included crash type, whether there were any injuries or fatalities, whether they occurred on wet or dry pavement, whether they occurred during the day time or night time and whether they involved pedestrians or bicycles. Crash summary tables and conflict diagrams were prepared for each of the 16 study locations. The results of the crash analysis and the collision diagrams for each location are provided below. The detailed crash information for each location is provided in Appendix C. 15

22 3.3.1 Alafaya Trail at Lake Underhill Over the three year period analyzed, there were a total of 50 crashes at the intersection of Alafaya Trail with Lake Underhill. Twenty of these crashes involved injuries and there were no fatalities. Five of the crashes were angle (10%), three were left turn (6%), one was a right turn (2%), seven were side swipe (14%) and 29 were rear end (58%). There was one crash involving a bicycle which happened outside of school crossing hours with no crossing guard present. Most of the crashes (92%) occurred on dry pavement and the split between day (58%) and night (42%) was also noted. The crash diagram is included as Figure 3-1. Figure Alafaya Trail at Lake Underhill Crash Diagram 16

23 3.3.2 Alafaya Trail at SR 50 Over the three year period analyzed, there were a total of 56 crashes at the intersection of Alafaya Trail with SR 50. Fourteen of these crashes involved injuries and there were no fatalities. Seven of the crashes were left turn (13%), one was a right turn (2%), eight were side swipe (14%) and 38 were rear end (68%). There was one crash involving a pedestrian which happened at night. Most of the crashes (82%) occurred on dry pavement and the split between day (77%) and night (23%) was also noted. See Figure 3-2 for the crash diagram. Figure Alafaya Trail at SR 50 Crash Diagram 17

24 3.3.3 Alafaya Trail at Waterford Lakes Parkway Over the three year period analyzed, there were a total of 33 crashes at the intersection of Alafaya Trail with Waterford Lakes Parkway. Nineteen of these crashes involved injuries and there were no fatalities. One of the crashes was an angle crash (3%), eight were left turn (24%), three were right turn (9%), two were side swipe (6%) and 19 were rear end (58%). There were three crashes involving bicycles two of these crashes occurred during school crossing hours. Most of the crashes (88%) occurred on dry pavement and the split between day (73%) and night (27%) was also noted. See Figure 3-3 for the crash diagram. Figure Alafaya Trail at Waterford Lakes Crash Diagram 18

25 3.3.4 Avalon Park Boulevard at Castle Creek Elementary School Over the three year period analyzed, there was one crash at the intersection of Avalon Park Boulevard and Castle Creek Elementary School. This crash involved a vehicle running off the road and striking a fixed object. Alcohol was a contributing factor in this crash. There were no injuries or fatalities associated with this crash. See Figure 3-4 for the crash diagram. Figure Avalon Park Boulevard at Castle Creek Elementary School Crash Diagram 19

26 3.3.5 Avalon Park Boulevard at SR 50 Over the three year period analyzed, there were a total of 19 crashes at the intersection of Avalon Park Boulevard with SR 50. Seven of these crashes involved injuries and there were no fatalities. Three of the crashes were side swipes (16%) and 16 were rear end (84%). There were no pedestrian or bicycle crashes. Most of the crashes (74%) occurred on dry pavement and the split between day (79%) and night (21%) was also noted. See Figure 3-5 for the crash diagram. Figure Avalon Park Boulevard at SR 50 20

27 3.3.6 Avalon Park Boulevard at Waterford Chase Parkway Over the three year period analyzed, there were a total of 34 crashes at the intersection of Avalon Park Boulevard with Waterford Chase Parkway. Fifteen of these crashes involved injuries and one involved a fatality. Two of the crashes were angle crashes (6%), 11 were left turn (32%), two were right turn (6%), one was a side swipe (3%) and 15 were rear end (44%). There were two crashes involving bicycles and one involving a pedestrian. Both of the bicycle crashes occurred outside of school crossing hours. Most of the crashes (74%) occurred on dry pavement and the split between day (65%) and night (35%) was also noted. See Figure 3-6 for the crash diagram. Figure Avalon Park Boulevard at Waterford Chase Parkway 21

28 3.3.7 Golfway Boulevard at Lone Palm Over the three year period analyzed, there were three crashes at the intersection of Golfway Boulevard and Lone Palm. These crashes included one crash with injuries. The type of crashes included one rear end, one right turn and one ran off the road crash. All of these crashes occurred on dry pavement. Two of them occurred during the day time and one occurred at night. One crash involved an adult bicyclist and occurred during school crossing hours with a crossing guard present. See Figure 3-7 for the crash diagram. Figure Golfway Boulevard at Lone Palm 22

29 3.3.8 Lake Underhill at Spring Island Way Over the three year period analyzed, there were three crashes at the intersection of Lake Underhill with Spring Island Way. These crashes included one crash with injuries. The type of crashes included two rear end crashes and one run off the road crash. Two of these crashes occurred on dry pavement. Two of them occurred during the day time and one occurred at night. None of the crashes involved bicycles or pedestrians. See Figure 3-8 for the crash diagram. Figure Lake Underhill at Spring Island Way 23

30 3.3.9 Lake Underhill at Waterford Chase Parkway Over the three year period analyzed, there were a total of nine crashes at the intersection of Lake Underhill with Waterford Chase Parkway. Two of these crashes involved injuries. One of the crashes was an angle crash (11%), three were rear end (33%) and five involved vehicles that ran off the road (56%). None of the crashes involved bicycles or pedestrians. All of the crashes occurred on dry pavement and the split between day (44%) and night (56%) was also noted. All of the roadway departure crashes occurred at night. See Figure 3-9 for the crash diagram. Figure Lake Underhill at Waterford Chase Parkway 24

31 Lake Underhill at Mark Twain Boulevard Over the three year period analyzed, there were a total of six crashes at the intersection of Lake Underhill with Mark Twain Boulevard. One of these crashes involved injuries. Two of the crashes were left turns (33%), three were rear end (50%) and one involved a vehicle that ran off the road (17%). None of the crashes involved bicycles or pedestrians. Most of the crashes (83%) occurred on dry pavement and the split between day (50%) and night (50%) was also noted. See Figure 3-10 for the crash diagram. Figure Lake Underhill at Mark Twain Boulevard 25

32 Lake Underhill at Woodbury Over the three year period analyzed, there were a total of 32 crashes at the intersection of Lake Underhill with Woodbury. Eight of these crashes involved injuries. Four of the crashes were left turn (13%), two were right turn (6%), four were side swipe (13%) and 21 were rear end (66%). There was one crash involving a pedestrian and occurred after school hours with no crossing guard present. Most of the crashes (84%) occurred on dry pavement and the split between day (63%) and night (37%) was also noted. See Figure 3-11 for the crash diagram. Figure Lake Underhill at Woodbury 26

33 Woodbury at Island Bay Drive Over the three year period analyzed, there were a total of eight crashes at the intersection of Woodbury with Island Bay Drive. Two of these crashes involved injuries. Two of the crashes were angle crashes (25%), four were rear end (50%),one involved a right turn (13%) and one involved a vehicle striking a fixed object (13%). One of the crashes involved a bicycle and occurred after school hours with no crossing guard present. Most of the crashes (84%) occurred on dry pavement and the split between day (25%) and night (75%) was also noted. See Figure 3-12 for the crash diagram. Figure Woodbury at Island Bay Drive 27

34 Woodbury at SR 50 Over the three year period analyzed, there were a total of 57 crashes at the intersection of Woodbury with SR 50. Twenty-two of these crashes involved injuries and there were no fatalities. One of the crashes was a left turn (2%), three were right turns (5%), three were side swipe (5%), one involved a vehicle that ran off the road (2%), and 49 were rear end (86%). There were two crashes involving bicycles which happened after school hours with no crossing guard present. Most of the crashes (70%) occurred on dry pavement and the split between day (56%) and night (44%) was also noted. See Figure 3-13 for the crash diagram. Figure Woodbury at SR 50 28

35 Woodbury at Golfway Boulevard Over the three year period analyzed, there was one crash at the intersection of Woodbury with Golfway Boulevard. This crash was a rear end crash. There were no injuries and the crash occurred on dry pavement during daylight hours. See Figure 3-14 for the crash diagram. Figure Woodbury at Golfway Boulevard 29

36 Woodbury at Waterford Lakes Parkway Over the three year period analyzed, there were a total of 15 crashes at the intersection of Woodbury with Waterford Lakes Parkway. Eight of these crashes involved injuries and there were no fatalities. One of these crashes was an angle crash (7%), on was a left turn (7%), one involved a vehicle that ran off the road (7%) and 12 were rear end (80%). There was one crash involving a bicycle which occurred during school crossing hours with a crossing guard present. Most of the crashes (93%) occurred on dry pavement and the split between day (53%) and night (47%) was also noted. See Figure 3-15 for the crash diagram. Figure Woodbury at Waterford Lakes Parkway 30

37 Woodbury at Waterford Wood Circle Over the three year period analyzed, there were three crashes at the intersection of Woodbury with Waterford Wood Circle. These crashes included two crashes with injuries. The type of crashes included two rear end crashes and one left turn crash. Two of these crashes occurred on wet pavement. All three crashes occurred at night. None of the crashes involved bicycles or pedestrians. See Figure 3-16 for the crash diagram. Figure Woodbury at Waterford Wood Circle 31

38 3.4 School Safety Review There are five schools within the Waterford Lakes Small Area Study boundaries. These include: 1. Waterford Elementary School 2. Discovery Middle School 3. Castle Creek Elementary School 4. Camelot Elementary School 5. Sunrise Elementary School As part of this study, an assessment was made related to the transportation safety at each school. Because of the dense residential development within two miles of each school, a large majority of students walk to school, ride bicycles or are driven by parents. In order to help identify potential safety issues related to school pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular traffic, the study team conducted field reviews at each of the five schools in May of Field reviews were conducted during both the morning and afternoon school crossing hours Waterford Elementary School Three members of the study team conducted the field review at Waterford Elementary School in the AM and PM school crossing times. One person was posted at the entrance off of Lake Underhill, one person was posted at the entrance off of Woodbury and one person was posted at the intersection of Lake Underhill and Woodbury. Below is a summary of the information gathered through field observations and through conversations with the school crossing guards at the intersection of Lake Underhill and Woodbury. AM The crossing guards typically activate the all-red pedestrian phase every other cycle. However, sometimes they have to do it every cycle the closer it is to school starting time so that kids are not late. The all red phase is 30 seconds long and is based on the time it takes a child to cross the intersection the farthest distance. The 30 second all red phase seems to balance pedestrian needs with traffic impacts. The all red phase can only be actuated during school crossing hours from 8:00 am to 9:45 am and from 2:45 pm to 4:35 pm. The rest of the day the pedestrian push buttons allow pedestrians to cross concurrent with parallel traffic. Waterford Lakes Elementary School has one school bus. No sight distance issues noted at the Lake Underhill-Woodbury Drive intersection related to pedestrians. There is no exclusive SB right turn lane which hinders right turns on red during non school hours. During school crossing hours a blank-out sign prohibits right turns on red anyway. 32

39 NB left turn queue on Woodbury extends slightly beyond the entrances to Discovery Middle and Waterford Lakes Elementary for a short period. No queues from either parent pick up/drop off loop back up onto either Lake Underhill or Woodbury. The westbound through traffic queue blocks the WB to SB vehicles from the left turn lane. A full signalized stop-controlled crossing is provided for students at the intersection of Lake Underhill and Woodbury ; therefore, no school speed reduction zone is necessary. Kids come primarily from the north and cross from the northwest to the southwest corners. PM There were about 5 main groups of kids that cross with up to 50 kids at a time. A large majority cross from the southwest to the northwest quadrant. Some parents try to park along the east side of the northbound lanes on Woodbury, south of Lake Underhill so that they don t have to wait in the car line. The Orange County school resource officer threatens them with tickets and makes them move. This is not a signed no parking zone. Crossing guards operate the all red every other cycle. Crossing guard said that the SB to EB left turn lane on Woodbury is not long enough Camelot Elementary School One member of the study team observed the existing conditions at Camelot Elementary School. The following is a summary of those observations. AM A full signalized stop-controlled crossing is provided for students at the intersection of Avalon Park Boulevard and Waterford Chase Parkway; therefore, no school speed reduction zone is necessary. 3 crossing guards at the Avalon Park Blvd./Waterford Chase Parkway intersection. No crossing guards at the Crystal Bay Ln./Waterford Chase Parkway intersection. Cars jump out of line (into the opposing traffic lane) to access the left turn lane on Waterford Chase Pkwy. at the intersection with Crystal Bay Lane. Children were not observed riding bicycles on the street. Landscaping does not obstruct the visibility of bicyclists or pedestrians from approaching motorists. Unsignalized crossing at Crystal Bay Ln/Waterford Chase Pkwy. Pedestrian signal crossing time is sufficient for school children to cross the street. Crossing guards push button once to activate pedestrian phase, when necessary. 33

40 Queuing is not an issue in the morning; students are generally dropped off at the entrance. Sufficient space at curb ramps. There is a missing curb ramp at Crystal Bay Ln./Waterford Chase Pkwy.for the crosswalk across Waterford Chase Parkway. There are no pavement markings for the crosswalk on Crystal Bay Lane. PM Waterford Chase Pkwy. Westbound through lane backs up because cars turning right block the lane when they have to wait for children crossing the road Right Turns o Queues back up on Waterford Chase Parkway westbound from school onto Avalon Park Blvd. o Parents wait on the shoulder and in the existing right/through lane of Waterford Chase Parkway. Left Turns o Queues back up into the inside through lane on Waterford Chase Parkway o Left turn lane storage is insufficient on westbound Waterford Chase Parkway. On-street parking causes back-ups for through traffic on Waterford Chase Pkwy, east of Crystal Bay Ln Castle Creek Elementary School One member of the study team observed the existing conditions at Castle Creek Elementary School. The following is a summary of those observations. AM Signal pedestrian phase only activates when button is pushed crossing guards only press button if a child is waiting Crosswalk timing is good 1-2 seconds left after pedestrians cross Most pedestrians walk from the north and use pedestrian entrance/trail north of parking lot don t use crosswalk Crossing guard concerned about speeding on Avalon Park Blvd. A full signalized stop-controlled crossing is provided for students; therefore, a school speed reduction zone is not necessary. Left turns into school worst queuing around 8:20 only requries ¾ of available storage. Storage is sufficient. Crossing guards only pressed button 10 times between 8:00 and 9:00 AM PM Parents start lining up at front door at 2:15 PM Cars wrap around parking lot reach end of lot around 2:50 PM 34

41 Cars never back-up onto street Cars start filtering through lot around 2:51 some kids must be released just before 3:00 PM Not as many gaps in traffic in the afternoon allowing left turns into school without green arrow Steady flow of cars leaving school. Queuing not an issue Sunrise Elementary School One member of the study team observed the existing conditions at Sunrise Elementary School. The following is a summary of those observations. AM There is no traffic signal to cross at the school. Crossing guards cross school kids on the west and north legs of the roundabout at the intersection of Lone Palm and Golfway. No traffic queuing back up onto Lone Palm from the school. Only 3 buses noted. Cars do not stop completely at the stop sign to turn right off of Lone Palm onto Golfway Boulevard. PM A couple of vehicles picking up kids at the school back up onto Lone Palm around 3:10 pm due to queuing Discovery Middle School Three members of the study team conducted the field review at Discovery Middle School in the AM and PM school crossing times. One person was posted at the entrance off of Lake Underhill, one person was posted at the entrance off of Woodbury and one person was posted at the intersection of Lake Underhill and Woodbury. Below is a summary of the information gathered through field observations and through conversations with the school crossing guards at the intersection of Lake Underhill and Woodbury. AM Some middle school kids cross with the elementary school kids because they go to school early. The crossing guards typically activate the all-red pedestrian phase every other cycle. However, sometimes they have to do it every cycle the closer it is to school starting time so that kids are not late. The all red phase is 30 seconds long. The all red phase can only be actuated during school crossing hours from 8:00 am to 9:45 am and from 2:45 pm to 4:35 pm. The rest of the day the pedestrian push buttons allow pedestrians to cross concurrent with parallel traffic. Discovery Middle has seven school buses that use the Lake Underhill entrance. 35

42 No sight distance issues noted at the Lake Underhill-Woodbury Drive intersection related to pedestrians. There is no exclusive SB right turn lane which hinders right turns on red during non-school crossing hours. During school crossing hours blank out signs restrict right turns on red anyway. NB left turn queue on Woodbury extends slightly beyond the entrances to Discovery Middle and Waterford Lakes Elementary for a short period. Some conflicts with SB left turning vehicles into Discovery vs. NB left turn vehicles queuing back from the Lake Underhill intersection. No queues from either loop back up onto either Lake Underhill or Woodbury. The westbound through traffic queue blocks the WB to SB vehicles from the left turn lane. There is a reduced speed zone on Lake Underhill east of Woodbury at Spring Island Way. A full signalized stop-controlled crossing is provided for students; therefore, a school speed reduction zone is not necessary through the intersection of Lake Underhill and Woodbury. Kids come primarily from the north and cross from the northwest to the northeast to the southeast corners. PM There are about 5 main groups of kids that cross with up to 100 kids at a time. Most kids cross from the southeast to the northeast to the northwest. Many kids cross diagonally through the intersection because the all-red phase is timed to cross only one leg at a time. Crossing guards operate the all red every other cycle. No issues with traffic queuing onto Lake Underhill or Woodbury. 3.5 Orange County Public Schools Coordination Following the field reviews at the five schools within the study area, the study team met with representatives of Orange County Public Schools to discuss their observations and to collect any additional information from the school representatives. Minutes of this meeting are provided in Appendix A. In addition, the study team contacted and offered to meet with the principals of each of the five study area schools. Only two principals accepted the offer to meet. These were Principal Curry Aldridge from Camelot Elementary School and Principal Charles Lindlau from Waterford Elementary School. The study team discussed the items observed during the field reviews with each principal and asked for input on any additional issues that were not identified. Principal Aldridge discussed issues with on site safety of school children during pick up and drop 36

43 off times. She also mentioned a concern with residents of the houses across the street from the school parking in the road (Waterford Chase Parkway), but that there is nothing that they can do about that. Principal Lindlau discussed the crossing of Lake Underhill and Woodbury and gave a history of the issues there. He also discussed the plans that the school has for renovations over the summer of The Principal of Castle Creek Elementary School requested that a presentation be made to the Student Advisory Committee (SAC). This presentation included an overview of the study, a summary of the comments received and discussion of specific issues that were raised by Principal Daub. One of these was a request for a sidewalk along SR 50 for students walking from Deer Park. This sidewalk will be built as part of the widening of SR 50 being done by FDOT. A second issue of discussion was a request for a reduced school zone on Avalon Park Boulevard in front of the school. Kevin Miller indicated that it is Orange County policy not to install reduced speed zones where students cross at a signalized intersection with a crossing guard. 37

44 Comment No. 1 Sherburn Court 2 Woodbury 3 Woodbury 4 Table 3-7 Summary of Public Comments Related to School Safety way Citizen Comment Location Response/Action Avalon Park Boulevard 5 SR 50 Parents park on Sherburn Court and have their kids walk to them. Residents can't get through. Children cross intersection diagonally; requests pedestrian bridge. Kids jaywalk across Woodbury to get to school Requests speed zone on Avalon Park Boulevard Need sidewalk on SR 50 for Castle Creek ES students coming from Deerwood Park Near Waterford Elementary Lake Underhill At Discovery Middle School Castle Creek Elementary To/From Castle Creek Elementary A survey sent to residents determined that a majority of affected residents are not interested in No Parking signs on Sherburn Court. This request was investigated and a pedestrian overpass will not be constructed in this area due to R/W restrictions, ADA requirements and cost. This is an enforcement issue. This comment will be provided to Discovery Middle School and the Orange County Sheriff s office. Reduced school speed zones are provided to assist students crossing the street. It is Orange County policy not to provide a reduced school speed zone where there is a signalized intersection that has a crossing guard present during school crossing hours and vehicles are stopped for students crossing. The FDOT project to widen SR 50 to 6 lanes will include the requested sidewalk. Construction is scheduled to begin next year. 38

45 Comment No. 6 Lake Underhill 7 Woodbury 8 Table 3-7, continued Summary of Public Comments Related to School Safety way Citizen Comment Location Response/Action Discovery Middle School School traffic backs up to Mark Twain, congestion, danger to students Requests that school crossing guards cross larger groups instead of pushing button for one student; request ped overpass Safety of cars/bicycles, especially in morning 8:30 to 9:00 Alafaya to Woodbury Lake Underhill Exit on Woodbury Intersection improvements at the Lake Underhill intersection with Woodbury are being recommended as part of this study. This will alleviate some congestion. Crossing guards are aware of this issue and have been instructed to wait for groups of pedestrians to gather before pushing the button. A pedestrian overpass cannot be constructed in this area due to R/W restrictions, ADA requirements and cost. Orange County is scheduled to conduct a transportation study for Woodbury from SR 50 to Lake Underhill beginning in No safety issues were identified at this location. Intersection improvements at Lake Underhill and Woodbury should help with congestion. Orange County is scheduled to conduct a transportation study for Woodbury from SR 50 to Lake Underhill beginning in

46 3.6 Transit Evaluation The study area was reviewed for existing transit service and transit related infrastructure. LYNX is the local transit provider in Orange County. Only one LYNX route was identified within the study area. It is a service geared towards college students that is available on Friday and Saturday nights from 8:00 pm until 3:00 am. The blue line service starts at 8:00 pm at the UCF Arena and departs every 40 minutes until 11:00 pm. After 11:00 pm, the buses depart every 15 minutes until the final run at 2:15 am. There are stops at major apartment complexes and shopping plazas along Alafaya Trail and at two locations along Waterford Lakes Parkway within the Waterford Lakes Small Area Study area. There is another LYNX service called the LYNX Bithlo Pick-Up Line, also known as the LYNX Neighborhood Link, that is available to residents in the northern portion of the Waterford Lakes area. Riders must call LYNX in advance to reserve a pick-up time. No other LYNX bus routes are provided within the study area. The study team met with representatives from LYNX on July 9, 2012 to inform them of the Waterford Lakes Small Area Study and to gather information on proposed transit service in the Waterford Lakes area. The LYNX 2013 Transit Development Plan was reviewed and future LYNX bus routes are shown on Figure This plan is a 10-year needs based plan that is based on demand and some routes may not be funded. The plan includes future bus routes along Woodbury, Alafaya Trail, Waterford Chase Parkway and Lake Underhill. There is a future park and ride lot noted at the intersection of Waterford Lakes Parkway and Alafaya Trail that LYNX indicated may move to a new location south of Lake Underhill and west of Alafaya Trail. The minutes from this meeting are included in Appendix A. LYNX representatives indicated that they did not have specific locations of future bus stops identified and that is typically based on transit generators and phone call requests for service. Comment No. 1 2 Table 3-8 Transit Related Public Comments way Citizen Location Comment Waterford Lakes study area Waterford Lakes study area LYNX used to be here, but now it is gone We were promised bus service at least 10 years ago. Where is it? 40 Study area Study area Response/Action LYNX does not currently have plans to expand service to this area due to funding constraints. LYNX does not currently have plans to expand service to this area due to funding constraints.

47 Figure 3-17 Existing and Future LYNX Transit Service 41

48 3.7 Recommended Pedestrian, Bicycle and Transit Improvements As a result of field reviews, input received from the community and engineering analysis, several improvements are recommended. These improvements are identified by location and priority in Table 3-9. The concept plans in Appendix B identify the locations of these improvements. 42

49 Table 3-9 Pedestrian, Bicycle and Transit Improvement Recommendations by Location No. Location Problem Type of Work Recommendation Priority B1 B2 P1 P2 P3 Avalon Park Boulevard Lake Underhill Avalon Park Boulevard Avalon Park Boulevard Cave Hollow Lane SR 50 to Waterford Chase Parkway Alafaya Trail to Waterford Chase Parkway Pellicer Drive Perdido Drive Just north of River Delta, east side of the road Striping is faded and bike lane is too narrow No bike lanes Gap in sidewalk from neighborhood to sidewalk on Avalon Park Boulevard Gap in sidewalk from neighborhood to sidewalk on Avalon Park Boulevard Gap in sidewalk s and Drainage Division s and Drainage Division Engineering Division and Highway Construction Division Engineering Division and Highway Construction Division Engineering Division and Highway Construction Division When Avalon Park Boulevard is resurfaced, the travel lanes will be striped narrower and the bicycle lane will be restriped wider When Lake Underhill is resurfaced, a wider outside travel lane will be striped to give more space for bicyclists Construction of sidewalk from neighborhood to sidewalk on Avalon Park Boulevard was completed in April Construction of sidewalk from neighborhood to sidewalk on Avalon Park Boulevard was completed in April 2013 Construct sidewalk between existing sidewalk on Cave Hollow and River Delta Low Low Completed Completed Low 43

50 Table 3-9, continued Pedestrian, Bicycle and Transit Improvement Recommendations by Location No. Location Problem Type of Work Recommendation Priority P4 P5 NC4 NC9 NC10 Avalon Park Boulevard Woodbury Mark Twain Boulevard Alafaya Trail Lake Underhill NC11 Alafaya Trail Waterford Chase Parkway Mallory Circle/Island Bay Drive Park mid-block crossings SW quadrant of SR 50 intersection and NW quadrant of Curry Ford intersection Mark Twain Boulevard SR 50, Waterford Lakes Parkway and Lake Underhill (NE quadrant) intersections Vehicles do not yield to pedestrians Signs for the pedestrian crossing are insufficient Dangerous for pedestrians Broken push button on pedestrian pole Pedestrian signal in NW quadrant not working Pedestrian push button signs old/faded Traffic Engineering Traffic Engineering Traffic Engineering signs Traffic Engineering signals Traffic Engineering signals Traffic Engineering Signs Revise signal timing to include Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) Replace the existing 18 x18 R1-5 sign with a 24 x24 R1-5 sign. Remove the R1-6 sign panels Installed in-road pedestrian crossing signs in late 2012 Fix broken pedestrian push buttons Repair pedestrian crossing signal in NW quadrant of intersection Replaced pedestrian push button signs Low Completed Completed Med Med Completed 44

51 Table 3-9, continued Pedestrian, Bicycle and Transit Improvement Recommendations by Location No. Location Problem Type of Work Recommendation Priority NC12 NC20 Woodbury Lake Underhill NC21 Alafaya Trail NC27 NC33 NC40 Woodbury Waterford Chase Parkway Waterford Lakes Parkway and Waterford Chase Parkway Waterford Lakes Parkway South side of road in eastbound direction, 1800 feet east of Woodbury SE quadrant of Lake Underhill South of SR 408 NE quadrant of Crystal Bay Lane intersection Various locations Sticker on pedestrian push button sign in SW quadrant School flashing beacon not operating Damaged pedestrian signal pole Safety Pedestrians have to walk through grass to get to the crosswalk Vehicles not yielding to pedestrians Traffic Engineering Signs Traffic Engineering Signals Traffic Engineering Signals s and Drainage s and Drainage Traffic Engineering Signs Clean sign or replace pedestrian push button sign Repaired school zone flashing beacon The pedestrian signal pole was evaluated by Traffic Engineering and found to be structurally secure Add pedestrian pipe rail to existing guardrail on west side of Woodbury Construct curb cut ramp to access the crosswalk Add Turning Vehicles Yield to Pedestrians (R10-15) signs Low Completed N/A Low Completed Low 45

52 Section 4 Access Management 4.1 Existing way Access Management Classifications Table 4-1 identifies the existing number of lanes, development, number of signals per mile and roadway classification for the seven study roadways. The concept plans in Appendix B identify the locations of issues that were identified. The Florida Department of Transportation Access Management Classification criteria are included in Table 4-2. Orange County subdivision regulations, Division 2 Streets or Highways, were reviewed. Section (b) Intersection Separation, states that Intersections on a County maintained arterial or collector road shall be situated at least six hundred (600) feet apart only where no approved or existing development with an intersection on the subject arterial or collector road is located within one-half (½) mile of the new subdivision. The distance between median openings shall conform to this intersection separation requirement. 46

53 way Location Table 4-1 Existing way Access Classification Information Number Existing Posted Divided or of Land Use Speed Limit Undivided Lanes Alafaya Trail SR 50 to SR 408 Commercial 45 mph 6 Divided Alafaya Trail Avalon Park Boulevard Lake Underhill Mark Twain Boulevard Waterford Chase Parkway SR 50 to Mark Twain Boulevard SR 50 to Waterford Chase Parkway Alafaya Trail to Woodbury Woodbury to east of Seascape Avenue East of Seascape Avenue to Waterford Chase Parkway Lake Underhill to Alafaya Trail Lake Underhill to Avalon Park Boulevard Commercial 45 mph 4 Divided Functional Classification Urban Principal Arterial Urban Minor Arterial Access Management Classification Access Class 5 Access Class 5 Residential 45 mph 4 Divided Urban Collector Access Class 5 Commercial/ Residential Commercial/ Residential 35 mph 4 Divided Urban Collector Access Class 5 35 mph 4 Divided Residential 35 mph 3 Undivided Residential 25 mph 2 Undivided Residential 25 mph 2 Undivided Not Functionally Classified. Operates as Collector Not Functionally Classified. Operates as Collector Not Functionally Classified. Operates as Local Not Functionally Classified. Operates as Collector Access Class 5 Access Class 6 Access Class 6 Access Class 6 47

54 way Waterford Lakes Parkway Woodbury Location Alafaya Trail to east of Coquina Rock Street East of Coquina Rock Street to Woodbury SR 50 to south of Lake Underhill South of Lake Underhill to Golfway Boulevard Table 4-1, continued Existing way Access Classification Information Number Existing Posted Divided or of Land Use Speed Limit Undivided Lanes Commercial/ Residential Commercial/ Residential 30 mph 4 Divided 30 mph 3 Undivided Classification Not Functionally Classified. Operates as Local Not Functionally Classified. Operates as Local Access Management Classification Access Class 5 Access Class 6 Residential 40 mph 2 Undivided Urban Collector Access Class 6 Residential 30 mph 2 Divided Urban Collector Access Class 5 48

55 Access Class Table 4-2 FDOT Access Management Criteria by Access Class Minimum Connection Spacing (feet) Minimum Median Opening Spacing Directional (feet) Minimum Median Opening Spacing Full (feet) 1 Interstates and Limited Access Facilities Minimum Signal Spacing (mile) /660* /440* /440* N/A N/A /245* /1320* 0.5/0.25* 6 440/245* N/A N/A * - Greater than 45 mph/less than or equal to 45 mph posted speed limit 4.2 FDOT Access Management Classification Descriptions Access Class 1 consists of limited access facilities, which roadways do not provide direct property connections. These roadways provide for high speed and high volume traffic movements serving interstate, interregional, and intercity, and, to a lesser degree, intracity, travel needs. Interstate highways and Florida s Turnpike are typical of this class. Access Class 2 roadways are highly controlled access facilities distinguished by the ability to serve high speed and high volume traffic over long distances in a safe and efficient manner. This access class is further distinguished by a highly controlled limited number of connections, median openings, and infrequent traffic signals. Segments of the highway system having this classification usually have access restrictions supported by local ordinances and agreements with the FDOT, and are generally supported by existing or planned service roads. Access Class 3 roadways are controlled access facilities where direct access to abutting land is controlled to maximize the operation of the through traffic movement. The land adjacent to these roadways is generally not extensively developed and/or the probability of significant land use change exists. These roadways are distinguished by existing or planned restrictive medians. 49

56 Access Class 4 roadways are controlled access facilities where direct access to abutting land is controlled to maximize the operation of the through traffic movement. The land adjacent to these roadways is generally not extensively developed and/or the probability of significant land use change exists. These roadways are distinguished by existing or planned non-restrictive median treatments. Access Class 5 roadways are controlled access facilities where adjacent land has been extensively developed and where the probability of major land use change is not high. These roadways are distinguished by existing or planned restrictive medians. Access Class 6 roadways are controlled access facilities where adjacent land has been extensively developed, and the probability of major land use change is not high. These roadways are distinguished by existing or planned non-restrictive medians or centerlines. Access Class 7 roadways are controlled access facilities where adjacent land is generally developed to the maximum feasible intensity and roadway widening potential is limited. This classification shall be assigned only to roadway segments where there is little intent or opportunity to provide high speed travel. Exceptions to access management standards in this access class may be allowed if the landowner substantially reduces the number of connections compared to existing conditions. These roadways can have either restrictive or non-restrictive medians. 4.3 Access Management on Study Area ways Alafaya Trail The access management plan along Alafaya Trail was reviewed for compliance with Access Class 5 spacing criteria. Generally, the minimum spacing criteria for full and directional median openings is not being met between SR 50 and SR 408. South of SR 408, the median opening spacing generally meets Access Class 5 spacing criteria. The existing driveway connections on Alafaya Trail were reviewed to determine whether driveways could be combined or if additional cross access or frontage roads could be provided. Based on this review, no locations were identified where driveways could be combined to reduce the number of driveway connections to Alafaya Trail. In addition, cross access is provided between businesses in multiple locations along Alafaya Trail which limits the number of driveway connections that are required. In summary, there are no recommendations to combine/eliminate driveway connections or to provide additional cross access connections along Alafaya Trail. Avalon Park Boulevard The access management plan along Avalon Park Boulevard was reviewed for compliance with Access Class 5 spacing criteria. There are no directional median openings on Avalon Park Boulevard. The existing spacing between full median openings does not meet Access Class 5 spacing criteria. 50

57 Lake Underhill The access management plan along Lake Underhill was reviewed for compliance with Access Class 5 spacing from Alafaya Trail to Seascape Avenue and Class 6 criteria from Seascape Avenue to Waterford Chase Parkway. There are no directional median openings on Lake Underhill. The existing median opening spacing from Alafaya Trail to Seascape Avenue does not meet Access Class 5 spacing criteria. From Seascape Avenue to Waterford Chase Parkway, the Access Class 6 criteria is being met (no physical median separation). Mark Twain Boulevard and Waterford Chase Parkway The access management class for these two roadways is Access Class 6 which does not include physical median separation. Both roadways meet this criteria. Waterford Lakes Parkway The access management classification for Waterford Lakes Parkway from Alafaya Trail to Coquina Rock Street is Access Class 5. From Coquina Rock Street to Woodbury, it is Access Class 6. Only the full median opening at Victoria Lane meets the Access Class 5 median opening spacing criteria. The full median opening at Lake Cypress Circle is located 450 feet east of Alafaya Trail instead of the minimum required spacing of 1,320 feet. It should be noted that there is a high rate of crashes at this full median opening. Woodbury The access management classification on Woodbury is Access Class 6 from SR 50 to south of Lake Underhill and Access Class 5 from south of Lake Underhill to Golfway Boulevard. There is no physical median separation from SR 50 to south of Lake Underhill which meets Access Class 6 criteria. The median opening spacing from south of Lake Underhill to Golfway Boulevard generally meets Access Class 5 spacing criteria. 4.4 Public Comments Related to Access Management As a result of the community meetings and project web page, there were several comments submitted by the public related to access management issues. These are identified in Table

58 Comment No. 1 Alafaya Trail 2 Alafaya Trail 3 Alafaya Trail Table 4-3 Public Comments Related to Access Management way Citizen Comment Location Response/Action Avalon Park Boulevard Lake Underhill Waterford Chase Parkway Is SB U-turn prohibition really needed? Request for prohibition of SB u- turns from Alafaya Trail Hazardous location w/ vehicles making U-turns and coming from driveways Concerned about new development at SR 50 and Old Cheney Highway making it more difficult to turn left out of Old Cheney Highway. Difficulty exiting. No options other than Lake Underhill. Request to restrict traffic from turning left onto Waterford Chase Parkway in the AM Huckleberry Finn Mark Twain Boulevard Near Dunkin Donuts, Tire Kingdom, north of ToysRUs, Bahama Breeze Old Cheney Highway intersection Lakehaven/ Bluewater Circle Avalon Park Boulevard intersection This u-turn prohibition was added because of numerous near crashes with vehicles trying to avoid the southbound left turn lane on Alafaya Trail at Lake Underhill. A review of the crash history from 2009 to the present does not show a crash problem related to u-turns at this intersection. The developer of the Shoppes at Alafaya will be converting the full median opening at Iroquois Trail into a dual directional median opening. The full median opening does not meet access class 5 spacing criteria, but the directional opening does. Crash data will be monitored to determine if access restrictions become necessary. No new roads or connections are proposed at this location. Exiting Bluewater Circle may need to be made in two stages with a stop in the center to wait for a gap in westbound traffic from the signal. No prohibitions of turns from Avalon Park Boulevard onto Waterford Chase Parkway are recommended. 52

59 Comment No Table 4-3, continued Public Comments Related to Access Management way Citizen Comment Location Response/Action Waterford Chase Parkway Waterford Chase Parkway Woodbury Wants Waterford Chase Parkway gated to prevent cut through traffic Wants Waterford Chase Parkway closed at Lake Underhill Parents entering Kids R Kids are making left in striped out area Avalon Park Boulevard Lake Underhill Woodbury Pines Circle Waterford Chase Parkway is a public roadway and will not be gated. Waterford Chase Parkway is a public roadway and will not be closed at Lake Underhill. No Left Turn signing is in place. Enforcement may be requested. 53

60 4.5 Access Management Related Crash History Crash records were reviewed at three intersections to determine whether the crashes at the intersections indicate a safety issue that can be corrected. As a result of field reviews, input received from the community and engineering analysis, several improvements are recommended. 54

61 4.5.1 Avalon Park Boulevard at Old Cheney Highway Crash records were reviewed at this intersection from 2009 through September of The results of this analysis show that there were 14 crashes at this intersection, of which, three involved injuries. Three crashes were right angle crashes, nine were left turn crashes and two were rear end crashes. Some of the left turn crashes were good Samaritan type crashes where vehicles in the inside northbound lane of Avalon Park Boulevard would stop at the Old Cheney Highway intersection to let southbound left turning vehicles turn onto Old Cheney Highway who would then get struck by a northbound vehicle in the outside through lane. Northbound traffic queues extend southward beyond the Old Cheney Highway intersection. Crashes at this intersection will be monitored to determine whether future access restrictions will be proposed. Figure Avalon Park Boulevard at Old Cheney Highway Crash Diagram 55

62 4.5.2 Alafaya Trail at Mark Twain Boulevard A request was made to prohibit u-turns on Alafaya Trail at the Mark Twain Boulevard intersection. Again, the crash records at this location were reviewed from 2009 through September of There have been 12 crashes at this intersection and four crashes involved injuries. Four crashes were side swipe crashes, three were rear end crashes, four were left turn crashes and one involved a vehicle running off the road. There does not appear to be a crash history that would support prohibiting u-turns at this intersection. Figure Alafaya Trail at Mark Twain Boulevard Crash Diagram 56

63 4.5.3 Waterford Lakes Parkway at Lake Cypress Circle The crash history at the intersection of Lake Cypress Circle/ Waterford Lakes Plaza entrance road with Waterford Lakes Parkway was reviewed for 2009 through This crash history shows that there were 14 crashes over the two year period and eight of those crashes involved injuries. Twelve of the crashes involved vehicles turning left from the Waterford Lakes Plaza entrance road onto Waterford Lakes Parkway. One crash involved a rear end collision and one crash involved a vehicle turning left from Waterford Lakes Parkway onto the Waterford Lakes Plaza entrance road. Figure Waterford Lakes Parkway at Lake Cypress Circle Crash Diagram 57